Protective cover

Abstract

The invention provides a protective cover. A heat insulation member equivalent to a protective cover is used to protect a constant velocity joint extending in the direction of an axis C, is configured from a plate-shaped body, and has an L-shape having two tip portions when spread in a direction perpendicular to the plate thickness direction of the plate-shaped body. Fastening parts with fastening holes are arranged at the two front end parts of the heat insulation part respectively, the heat insulation part is of a structure which is installed on the transfer case in a cantilever shape by fastening the fastening parts respectively, and a notch is formed in the edge end part of the side, installed in the cantilever shape, of the heat insulation part. The cutouts suppress local concentration of stress caused by a bending load generated on a cross section orthogonal to a straight line connecting the fastening parts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an L-shaped protective cover for protecting a rotating component extending along an axial direction, comprising a plate-like body and having two front ends when unfolded in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the plate-like body. Background Technology

[0002] A protective cover is known to be cantilevered, wherein a first end is fixed to a transfer case, and a second end is a free end. For example, the protective cover described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-862 has this structure. The protective cover described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-862 is formed as a semi-cylindrical shape extending along an axis, with a semi-circular cross-section and a circumferentially half-open portion. Furthermore, the protective cover is supported by a bearing provided between the end fixed to the transfer case and the other end, which is the free end.

[0003] However, as a protective cover for a rotating component extending in one axial direction, it is sometimes desirable to form the protective cover as an L-shaped structure with two front ends, where it is made of a plate-like body and extends in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the plate-like body. In this case, a structure supported by bearings, as in the protective cover of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-862, cannot be used. As a result, in a protective cover installed in a cantilevered structure, the protective cover may be damaged due to localized stress concentration caused by bending loads. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention was made against the background described above, and its object is to provide a protective cover with a cantilevered structure that can suppress damage caused by localized stress concentration due to bending loads.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a protective cover for protecting a rotating component extending along an axial direction. The cover is composed of a plate-like body and, when unfolded in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the plate-like body, has an L-shape with two front ends. Each of the two front ends is provided with a fastening part. The protective cover is cantilevered by fastening the fastening parts. A cutout is provided at the edge end of the side of the protective cover that is mounted in the cantilever shape. This cutout suppresses localized stress concentration caused by bending loads generated on a cross section orthogonal to the lines connecting the fastening parts.

[0006] According to the protective cover of the present invention, fastening portions are respectively provided at the two front ends of the protective cover. By fastening the fastening portions respectively, the protective cover is mounted in a cantilever shape. A slit is provided at the edge end of the side of the protective cover that is mounted in the cantilever shape. This slit is used to suppress localized stress concentration caused by bending loads generated on a cross section orthogonal to the lines connecting the fastening portions. Thus, in the protective cover with the cantilever structure, by providing the slit, localized stress concentration caused by bending loads is suppressed, thereby suppressing damage to the protective cover. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals denote similar components, wherein:

[0008] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of a vehicle equipped with the heat insulation component according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0009] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the state in which the thermal insulation components are mounted on the transfer case via two brackets.

[0010] Figure 3 Is Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the insulation component as seen in the direction of arrow III;

[0011] Figure 4A This means that in Figure 3 The diagram showing the shape of the cuts on the insulation component and the stress caused by bending load is... Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the thermal insulation component unfolded in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the plate;

[0012] Figure 4B This means that in Figure 3 The diagram showing the shape of the cutouts on the insulation component and the stress generated by the bending load is an illustration of the stress generated by the bending load at the location where the cutouts are provided.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the heat insulation component according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention when it is unfolded in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the plate.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the heat insulation component according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention when it is unfolded in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the plate.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the heat insulation component of Embodiment 4 of the present invention when it is unfolded in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the plate. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in each embodiment, the drawings are appropriately simplified or modified, and the dimensional ratios and shapes of the parts may not be accurately depicted.

[0017] Example 1

[0018] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the schematic structure of a vehicle 10 equipped with a heat insulation component 70 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0019] Vehicle 10 includes an engine 12 as a power source for driving, a pair of front wheels 14 (hereinafter referred to as "front wheels 14"), a pair of rear wheels 16 (hereinafter referred to as "rear wheels 16"), and a power transmission device 18 that transmits power from the engine 12 to the front wheels 14 and the rear wheels 16 respectively. For example, the rear wheels 16 are the primary drive wheels that serve as drive wheels in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes. For example, the front wheels 14 are the secondary drive wheels that serve as driven wheels in two-wheel drive and drive wheels in four-wheel drive modes. Vehicle 10 is a four-wheel drive vehicle based on the FR (front-engine, rear-wheel drive) configuration.

[0020] Engine 12 is a known internal combustion engine. Power transmission device 18 includes a gearbox 22 in the power transmission path between engine 12 and transfer case 26; gearbox 22 is a known structure. Transfer case 26 is a known front-to-rear wheel power distribution device that distributes all the power of engine 12 to the rear wheels 16, or distributes the power of engine 12 to the front wheels 14 and rear wheels 16 respectively. Power transmission device 18, in the power transmission path between transfer case 26 and front wheels 14, sequentially includes, from the transfer case 26 side, a constant velocity joint 30, a front drive shaft 32, a constant velocity joint 34, a front differential gear 36, and a pair of front drive shafts 38; these are known structures. Power transmission device 18, in the power transmission path between transfer case 26 and rear wheels 16, sequentially includes, from the transfer case 26 side, a constant velocity joint 40, a rear drive shaft 42, a constant velocity joint 44, a rear differential gear 46, and a pair of rear drive shafts 48; these are known structures. Constant velocity joint 40 extends along axis C. Axis C is the center line of rotation of the rotating shaft that connects the transfer case 26 and the constant velocity joint 40.

[0021] The transfer case 26, for example, includes an engagement / disengagement clutch (not shown) capable of disconnecting and connecting the power transmission between the transfer case 26 and the front drive shaft 32. By disengaging the engagement / disengagement clutch, the vehicle 10 can operate in two-wheel drive mode. By engaging the engagement / disengagement clutch, the vehicle 10 can operate in four-wheel drive mode.

[0022] The exhaust pipe 50 of the engine 12 is provided, for example, near the constant velocity joint 40 connecting the transfer case 26 and the rear drive shaft 42, for example, below the vehicle at a predetermined interval from the constant velocity joint 40, extending along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10. High-temperature combustion gases output from the engine 12 are discharged through the exhaust pipe 50. A catalytic converter 52, for example, a known type, is provided in the exhaust pipe 50. The catalytic converter 52 has a larger circumference than the exhaust pipe 50, and therefore can be positioned closer to the constant velocity joint 40 than the exhaust pipe 50. The catalytic converter 52 is controlled within a predetermined operating temperature range where purification is effective and damage to the catalytic converter 52 is not caused.

[0023] The transfer case 26 has a transfer case housing 26c and a transfer case body 26b housed within the housing 26c. A heat insulation component 70 is installed on the outer periphery of the transfer case 26c. The heat insulation component 70 is a heat insulation element used to insulate the constant velocity joint 40 from radiant heat from the exhaust pipe 50 (hereinafter including the catalytic converter 52) to the constant velocity joint 40, thereby protecting the constant velocity joint 40 from radiant heat. The constant velocity joint 40 has a protective cover to prevent foreign matter from entering the constant velocity joint 40 or to prevent lubricating oil leakage from the constant velocity joint 40. This protective cover is made of an elastic material such as synthetic rubber to allow for elastic deformation, and is thermally vulnerable compared to the heat insulation component 70. The heat insulation component 70 is formed, for example, by stamping a sheet metal as a plate. The heat insulation component 70 is disposed between the exhaust pipe 50 and the constant velocity joint 40 in a radial direction centered on axis C. The constant velocity joint 40 corresponds to the "rotating component" in this invention. The heat insulation component 70 corresponds to the "protective cover" in this invention. The radiant heat from the exhaust pipe 50 is blocked or reflected by the heat insulation component 70, thus suppressing the temperature rise of the constant velocity joint 40 caused by the exhaust pipe 50, for example. Furthermore, for example, when the vehicle is in motion, the constant velocity joint 40 is exposed to the outside air through the portion not covered by the heat insulation component 70, thereby cooling the constant velocity joint 40.

[0024] The thermal insulation component 70 is mounted on the transfer case 26c of the transfer case 26 via brackets 64 and 66. Brackets 64 and 66 are known components used for attaching or supporting the thermal insulation component 70 to the transfer case 26. Brackets 64 and 66 are, for example, made of metal. The thermal insulation component 70 is secured to the transfer case 26 via bracket 64 by fasteners 94, and to the transfer case 26 via bracket 66 by fasteners 96.

[0025] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the state in which the heat insulation component 70 is mounted on the transfer case 26 via two brackets 64 and 66. Figure 2 In the diagram, the transfer case 26 is shown by a dashed line. Figure 3 Is Figure 2 A perspective view of the heat insulation component 70 as seen in the direction of arrow III.

[0026] The thermal insulation component 70 is composed of a plate-like body. The thermal insulation component 70 is, for example, formed by a broken line FL parallel or substantially parallel to the axis C (see reference). Figure 4A as well as Figure 4B ( ) bend. Thus, the heat insulation member 70 is configured to cover a portion of the circumference centered on axis C. That is, the heat insulation member 70 covers a portion of the circumference of the constant velocity joint 40. When the heat insulation member 70 is extended in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the plate-like body, the heat insulation member 70 is L-shaped with two front ends 74 and 76 extending from the base 72 in mutually substantially perpendicular directions (see reference). Figure 4A and Figure 4B Hereinafter, the "thickness direction of the plate-like body" will be referred to as the "thickness direction".

[0027] A fastening part 84 with a fastening hole is provided on one of the two front ends 74 and 76. A fastening part 86 with a fastening hole is provided on the other front end 76. That is, a fastening part is provided on each of the two front ends 74 and 76. The bracket 64 is fixed to the transfer case 26, for example, by a bolt (not shown). The bracket 66 is fixed to the transfer case 26, for example, by a bolt 90. Bolts 94b, which pass through the fastening part 84 with the fastening hole and the fastening hole 64h provided on the bracket 64, are fastened by nuts 94n. Bolts 96b, which pass through the fastening part 86 with the fastening hole and the fastening hole 66h provided on the bracket 66, are fastened by nuts 96n. The heat insulation component 70 is fixed to the transfer case 26 using fasteners 94 consisting of bolts 94b and nuts 94n, and fasteners 96 consisting of bolts 96b and nuts 96n. In the axial direction C, fasteners 84 and 86 are both provided on one side of the front end portion 74 and the front end portion 76. The heat insulation component 70 is a structure that is cantilevered and mounted on the transfer case 26 by fastening the fasteners 84 and 86 respectively.

[0028] When the heat insulation component 70 is extended in a direction perpendicular to the plate thickness direction (see reference) Figure 4A , Figure 4BThe front end of the front end 74 extending from the base 72 along one length direction is the edge end 70t1, and the front end of the front end 76 extending from the base 72 along another length direction is the edge end 70t2. One length direction and the other length direction are substantially perpendicular. When the heat insulation member 70 is extended in a direction perpendicular to the plate thickness direction, the edge end on the side that is cantilevered and connects one end of the edge end 70t1 to one end of the edge end 70t2 is the edge end 70e1. When the heat insulation member 70 is extended in a direction perpendicular to the plate thickness direction, the edge end on the free end side that connects the other end of the edge end 70t1 to the other end of the edge end 70t2 is the edge end 70e2. The edge end 70e1 corresponds to the "edge end on the cantilevered side" of the present invention. When the heat insulation member 70 is extended in a direction perpendicular to the plate thickness direction, the heat insulation member 70 is surrounded by the edge end 70t1, edge end 70t2, edge end 70e1, and edge end 70e2.

[0029] The heat insulation member 70 includes multiple flat portions 70p and stepped portions 70s that form the areas other than these flat portions 70p. The flat portions 70p are flat areas parallel or substantially parallel to the axis C. For example, the surface of the flat portion 70p is parallel to one length direction extending from the base 72 to the front end 74, or parallel to another length direction extending from the base 72 to the front end 76. The stepped portions 70s are areas that connect adjacent flat portions 70p to each other. Specifically, the flat portions 70p are the portions in the heat insulation member 70, which is made of a plate-like body, that are not bent by stamping, while the stepped portions 70s are the portions that are bent by stamping. When the stepped portions 70s are provided, the overall rigidity of the heat insulation member 70 is improved compared to when the stepped portions 70s are not provided.

[0030] A notch 78 is provided on the edge end 70e1 of the thermal insulation component 70. As will be described later, the notch 78 suppresses localized stress concentration caused by the bending load F [N] generated on the section S orthogonal to the straight line L connecting the two fasteners 84 and 86 respectively. The specific shape of the notch 78 will be described later.

[0031] Figure 4A This is to explain what is meant by "assuming". Figure 3 The diagram showing the shape of the cut 78 on the insulation component 70 and the stress caused by the bending load F is... Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the heat insulation component 70 unfolded in a direction perpendicular to the plate thickness direction. Figure 4B This is to explain what is meant by "assuming". Figure 3 The diagram showing the shape of the cutout 78 on the heat insulation component 70 and the stress caused by the bending load F is an illustration of the stress caused by the bending load F occurring at the location where the cutout 78 is provided.

[0032] As described above, when the heat insulation component 70 extends in a direction perpendicular to the plate thickness direction, such as Figure 4A As shown, the heat insulation member 70 is L-shaped, having two front ends 74, 76 extending from the base 72 in directions substantially perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, the actual heat insulation member 70 is... Figure 4A , Figure 4B The broken line FL shown is bent in the direction of arrow A. Figure 4A , Figure 4B In the image, the area removed by incision 78 is indicated by shading with diagonal lines.

[0033] Cut 78, for example, the boundary 70b between the flat portion 70p and the stepped portion 70s (see reference). Figure 3 The step portion 70s in the flat portion 70p is cut at its root. The boundary portion 70b corresponds to the "root" in this invention. In this embodiment, the cut 78 extends in a direction perpendicular to the fold line FL to cut the heat insulation member 70. When the heat insulation member 70 is extended in a direction perpendicular to the plate thickness direction, stress caused by bending load F is generated on the heat insulation member 70 at a section S orthogonal to the straight line L connecting the fasteners 84 and 86, respectively. The cause of the bending load F is, for example, vibration of the engine 12.

[0034] like Figure 4B As shown, the cross-section S orthogonal to the straight line L includes, for example, cross-sections S1 to S5. Cross-sections S1 to S5 are cross-sections S passing through positions P1 to P5 at the edges of the cut 78, respectively. In cross-sections S1 to S4, the region adjacent to one side is connected to the fastener 84, and the region adjacent to the other side is connected to the fastener 86. Therefore, stress caused by bending load F is generated in these cross-sections S1 to S4, respectively. In cross-section S5, the region adjacent to one side is not connected to either the fastener 84 or the fastener 86, while the region adjacent to the other side is connected to both the fastener 84 and the fastener 86. Therefore, no stress caused by bending load F is generated in cross-section S5. The cross-section S orthogonal to the straight line L, where the region adjacent to one side is connected to the fastener 84 and the region adjacent to the other side is connected to the fastener 86, corresponds to the "site where stress caused by bending load is generated" in this invention.

[0035] The edge of the notch 78, where stress caused by the bending load F is generated, is not a sharp corner. That is, the edge of the notch 78 is formed as a curve with a gently changing curvature or a straight line continuously connected to that curve. For example, the notch 78 is formed as a U-shape or a semi-circle, or a shape containing an arc. If the curvature of the straight line is considered infinitely large, then the curvature of the edge of the notch 78 changes gently. For example, positions P1 to P4 at the edge of the notch 78 are locations where stress caused by the bending load F is generated, but they are not sharp corners. Therefore, the stress generated by the bending load F does not concentrate locally at positions P1 to P4. Furthermore, by providing the notch 78, the stress caused by the bending load F can be dispersed, and the flexibility of the thermal insulation member 70, which flexes around the cross-section S orthogonal to the straight lines L connecting the fasteners 84 and 86 respectively, is improved.

[0036] For example, in the comparative example without the notch 78, the notch at position P1 becomes a sharp corner. At position P1, the curvature changes abruptly from an infinitely large straight line to zero. Therefore, in the comparative example, due to the localized stress concentration caused by the bending load F at position P1, cracks are easily generated from position P1 in the direction indicated by the hollow arrow.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cutout 78 is located in one place, but it can also be located in, for example, the heat insulation component 70. Figure 4A Cutouts 78 are also provided at positions X1, X2, etc. as shown.

[0038] According to this embodiment, the heat insulation component 70, used to protect the constant velocity joint 40 extending in the axial direction C, is composed of a plate-like body and, when extended in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the plate-like body, has an L-shape with two front ends 74 and 76. Furthermore, each of the two front ends 74 and 76 of the heat insulation component 70 is provided with a fastening portion 84 and a fastening portion 86. By fastening the fastening portions 84 and 86 respectively, the heat insulation component 70 is cantilevered and mounted on the transfer case 26. A cutout 78 is provided on the edge end 70e1 of the heat insulation component 70, which suppresses localized stress concentration caused by the bending load F generated on the cross section S orthogonal to the straight line L connecting the fastening portions 84 and 86 respectively. Thus, in the heat insulation component 70, which is a cantilevered mounted structure, by providing the cutout 78, localized stress concentration caused by the bending load F is suppressed, and damage (e.g., cracking) to the heat insulation component 70 is prevented.

[0039] According to this embodiment, when the heat insulation member 70 is extended in a direction perpendicular to the plate thickness direction, the curvature of the edge of the cut 78 changes gently at the location on the heat insulation member 70 where stress caused by the bending load F is generated. This shape of the cut 78 effectively suppresses localized stress concentration caused by the bending load F.

[0040] According to this embodiment, (a) the heat insulation member 70 is provided with a plurality of flat portions 70p and stepped portions 70s connecting adjacent flat portions 70p to each other, and (b) a cutout 78 is provided on the flat portions 70p. By providing the stepped portions 70s, the overall rigidity of the heat insulation member 70 can be improved, and by providing the cutout 78 on the flat portions 70p, it is easy to manufacture the heat insulation member 70 based on stamping.

[0041] According to this embodiment, the cut 78 is formed by cutting open the boundary portion 70b. The rigidity of the stepped portion 70s is higher than that of the flat portion 70p. Therefore, the thermal insulation member 70 is prone to local bending under bending load F in the boundary portion 70b where the rigidity changes drastically, and the stress caused by the bending load F tends to concentrate locally in the boundary portion 70b. By cutting open the boundary portion 70b with the cut 78, the part that is prone to bending under bending load F can easily move away from the boundary portion 70b and be dispersed. As a result, the local concentration of stress caused by bending load F is suppressed, and damage to the thermal insulation member 70 is easily suppressed.

[0042] (Example 2)

[0043] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the heat insulation component 170 of Embodiment 2 of the present invention, unfolded in a direction perpendicular to the plate thickness direction. The heat insulation component 170 is mounted on a vehicle 10 with the same structure as the vehicle 10 of Embodiment 1 described above. The heat insulation component 170 has a substantially the same structure as the heat insulation component 70 of Embodiment 1 described above, except that it has a cutout 178 instead of a cutout 78. Therefore, in this embodiment, the description focuses on the parts that are different from Embodiment 1, and the same reference numerals are used for parts that are substantially common in function with Embodiment 1, and descriptions are omitted where appropriate. The heat insulation component 170 corresponds to the "protective cover" in the present invention.

[0044] The shape of notch 178 is roughly the same as that of notch 78, but the shape of the parts of notch 178 where stress caused by bending load F does not occur is different. That is, the shape of the edges of notch 178 between positions P1 and P4 is the same as that of notch 78, but the shape of the edges of notch 178 between positions P4 and P6 is different. For example, the parts between positions P4 and P7 are where stress caused by bending load F does not occur. Therefore, at these positions, the curvature at the edge of notch 178 does not need to change slowly. For example, notch 178 is U-shaped.

[0045] According to this embodiment, by having the same structure as in Embodiment 1 above, the same effect as in Embodiment 1 is achieved based on this structure.

[0046] (Example 3)

[0047] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the heat insulation component 270 of Embodiment 3 of the present invention, unfolded in a direction perpendicular to the plate thickness direction. The heat insulation component 270 is mounted on a vehicle 10 with the same structure as the vehicle 10 in Embodiment 1 described above. The heat insulation component 270 has a substantially the same structure as the heat insulation component 70 involved in Embodiment 1, but differs in that a cutout 278 is used instead of a cutout 78. Therefore, in this embodiment, the description focuses on the parts that differ from Embodiment 1, and the same reference numerals are used for parts that are substantially functionally common to Embodiment 1, with appropriate omissions in the description. The heat insulation component 270 corresponds to the "protective cover" in this invention.

[0048] Section S8 is the section S at position P8 through the edge of cut 278. Section S9 is the section S at position P9 through the edge of cut 278. Cut 278 and cut 78 have approximately the same shape, but differ in that cut 278 extends in a direction parallel to the fold line FL, cutting through the insulation member 270. At the edge of cut 278, the locations where stress caused by bending load F is generated are between positions P8 and P9. Therefore, the curvature of the edge of cut 278 between positions P8 and P9 changes gently.

[0049] According to this embodiment, by having the same structure as in Embodiment 1 above, the same effect as in Embodiment 1 is achieved based on this structure.

[0050] (Example 4)

[0051] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram showing the heat insulation member 370 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention unfolded in a direction perpendicular to the plate thickness direction. The heat insulation member 370 is installed on a vehicle 10 having the same structure as the vehicle 10 of Embodiment 1 described above. The heat insulation member 370 has a structure substantially the same as the heat insulation member 70 of Embodiment 1 described above, except that it has a cutout 378 instead of a cutout 78. Therefore, in this embodiment, the description focuses on the parts that are different from those of Embodiment 1, and the same reference numerals are used for parts that are substantially common in function with those of Embodiment 1, and descriptions are omitted where appropriate. The heat insulation member 370 corresponds to the "protective cover" in the present invention.

[0052] Section S10 is the section S at position P10 through the edge of cut 378. Section S11 is the section S at position P11 through the edge of cut 378. Cut 378 and cut 78 have approximately the same shape. However, they differ in that cut 378 extends in a direction orthogonal to the straight line L (e.g., the direction of extension of sections S10 and S11) rather than parallel or perpendicular to the broken line FL, cutting through the insulation member 370. At the edge of cut 378, the locations where stress is generated due to bending load F are between positions P10 and P11. Therefore, the curvature of the edge of cut 378 between positions P10 and P11 gradually changes.

[0053] According to this embodiment, by having the same structure as in Embodiment 1 above, the same effect as in Embodiment 1 is achieved based on this structure.

[0054] Furthermore, the above are various embodiments of the present invention. The present invention can be implemented in various ways with modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from its spirit.

[0055] In embodiments 1 to 4 described above, cuts 78, 178, 278, and 378 are all ways of cutting the boundary portion 70b, but the present invention is not limited to this method. For example, cuts 78, 178, 278, and 378 may also be ways of cutting only the flat portion 70p. In such a way, compared with the case where cuts 78, 178, 278, and 378 are not provided, it is also possible to suppress the local concentration of stress caused by the bending load F at the heat insulation component 70, and to suppress damage to the heat insulation components 70, 170, 270, and 370.

[0056] In embodiments 1 to 4 described above, one cutout 78, 178, 278, and 378 are respectively provided on the heat insulation components 70, 170, 270, and 370. However, this is not a limitation, and multiple cutouts 78, 178, 278, and 378 may also be provided.

[0057] In embodiments 1 to 4 described above, a fastening part is provided at each of the two front ends 74 and 76, but the present invention is not limited to this method. For example, multiple fastening parts may be provided at the two front ends 74 and 76. In such a method, stress based on bending load F is generated in the cross section S, which is orthogonal to the straight line connecting any one of the fastening parts provided at the front end 74 and any one of the fastening parts provided at the front end 76. By providing cutouts 78, 178, 278, and 378, localized stress concentration caused by bending load F at the thermal insulation components 70, 170, 270, and 370 is suppressed.

[0058] In embodiments 1 to 4 described above, the heat insulation components 70, 170, 270, and 370 are bent along a single fold line FL that is parallel or substantially parallel to the axis C. However, the present invention is not limited to this method. For example, the heat insulation components 70, 170, 270, and 370 may also be bent along multiple fold lines that are parallel or substantially parallel to the axis C.

[0059] In embodiments 1 to 4 above, the "protective cover" in this invention is the heat insulation component 70, 170, 270, 370, which serves as a thermal insulator; however, this invention is not limited to this method. For example, this invention can also be applied to covers used to protect constant velocity joints from collisions with rocks or other objects on the travel route.

[0060] In embodiments 1 to 4 described above, the vehicle 10 equipped with heat insulation components 70, 170, 270, and 370 is a four-wheel drive vehicle based on the FR (front-wheel drive) system, but it is not limited to this; for example, it could also be a two-wheel drive vehicle based on the FR system. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to vehicles whose driving power source is not the engine 12 but an electric motor.

Claims

1. A protective cover for protecting a rotating component extending along an axial direction, comprising a plate-like body, and having an L-shape with two front ends when unfolded in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the plate-like body, wherein... Fastening parts are provided at each of the two front ends. The protective cover is a cantilevered structure installed by individually fastening the fastening parts. A cut is provided at the edge end of the side of the protective cover that is mounted in the cantilever shape. This cut suppresses localized stress concentration caused by bending loads generated on a cross section orthogonal to the straight lines connecting the fasteners.

2. The protective cover as described in claim 1, wherein, When the protective cover is extended in a direction perpendicular to the thickness of the plate, the curvature of the edge of the cut changes gently at the location where stress caused by the bending load is generated.

3. The protective cover as described in claim 1, wherein, The protective cover has multiple flat sections and stepped sections that connect adjacent flat sections to each other. The cut is made on the flat portion.

4. The protective cover as described in claim 1, wherein, The protective cover has multiple flat sections and stepped sections that connect adjacent flat sections to each other. The cut cuts open the root of the stepped portion in the flat portion.

5. The protective cover as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The protective cover is a cantilevered structure installed by means of fastening portions provided at each of the two front ends.

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